Your Guide to Australian Roof Materials

From wet and windy one day to hot and dry the next, Australian roofs have to go through it all. As your home’s protection from weather events, your roofing material must be suitable for your location and climate. But over time, even the best quality roof will eventually need repair, replacement, or restoration.

What Should I Consider When Choosing My Roofing Material?

Depending on your location and preference, there are different factors to consider when selecting the material of your roof, such as:

• Your home or building’s style and design
• Underlayments and anatomy of the roof
• Australian building codes and state building codes
• Requirements of the council
• Energy efficiency requirements

Let’s go through the three most common roofing materials in Australia – terracotta, cement, and metal roofs.

Terracotta Roofs

If you’re a Sydneysider, you’re more than likely surrounded by properties with terracotta roofing. Terracotta is an extremely tough roof material to shelter your family, and with the right maintenance and care, you won’t have to worry about replacement any time soon. However, if your terracotta roof is beginning to show signs of age with cracking and discolouration, perhaps it’s time to get advice from a professional roofing company.

Signs That Your Terracotta Roof Needs Restoration

• Cracked or misplaced tiles
• Watermarks or water dripping from ceilings during wet seasons
• Terracotta roofs can last 50 years or more, so if your roof is approaching this age, you may notice a decline in its effectiveness to insulate your home.
• Shrunken or cracked ridge tiles (these need re-bedding or re-pointing)

Cement Roofs

Are you looking for an economic and durable roof material? You can’t go past cement tiles. This type of roofing material hardens in the sun, growing stronger with age. All roof replacements and installations by Roof Ranger are finished with NuTech sealer and paint to withstand the tough Australian climate.

Signs That Your Cement Roof Needs Restoration

• Damage or wear around gutters and downpipes – flashing, aged, crumbling or cracked tiles.
• Visible cracks or holes on the tile surface
• Worn out or loose materials around the chimney, pipes, and vents
• Signs of mould, rot, or moisture

Metal Roofs

More Australians are choosing metal materials for their roof. The main downside to having a metal roof is that it will rust over time, but with proper upkeep, your roof can maintain good condition. Moreover, this material type is environmentally friendly, due to it being made up of recycled materials, promoting sustainability.

Signs That Your Metal Roof Needs Restoration

• Rusty screws or loose, old nails
• Corrosion visible on roof, gutters, and downpipes
• Watermarked ceilings
• Discoloured metal roof sheets
• Holes or gaps in the roof

For Professional Roof Replacement, Roof Repair, And Roof Restoration Services, See Roof Ranger

Have questions about what material and style of roof would work best for your home? Or do you have a roof that needs a good clean and restoration? Get in touch with Roof Ranger to get the best value for your money. We have over 30 years of experience with helping homeowners maintain roofs all over Western Sydney, Hawkesbury, and the Blue Mountains.

Roof Ranger specialises in residential and commercial roofing, using only the best materials and the highest quality of workmanship. Call us to find out more about our roofing services on 0401 374 203!